RUC Chief Constable Ronnie Flanagan"This is an acknowledgement of all those without whom policing would not have been possible" real 28k

Tuesday, 23 November, 1999, 13:33 GMT
Parties react to RUC honour

Sir Ronnie Flanagan is chief constable of the RUC

Northern Ireland's political parties have been reacting to the news that the Royal Ulster Constabulary has been awarded the George Cross.

The announcement was made by Buckingham Palace on Tuesday to honour the courage and dedication of the province's police officers and their families.

The Ulster Unionist leader was among the first to offer his congratulations.

David Trimble said that without the sterling work of the RUC Northern Ireland would not now have the prospect of peace and stability within
its grasp.

David Trimble: Honour is in recognition of the outstanding service

Mr Trimble said: "This singular honour is in recognition of
the outstanding service and sacrifice made over 30 years by the brave men and
women of the RUC."

However, Sinn Fein has condemned the decision as being "grossly offensive to the many people
who have suffered at the hands of this discredited force".

Policing spokeswoman Bairbre de Brun said: "This latest attempt to give
credibility... flies in the face of the promise in the Good Friday Agreement
for 'a new beginning to policing'."

But, the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, which represents rank-and-file
officers, has welcomed the award.

Chairman Les Rodgers said: "This unique honour to a police service is
definitive recognition of the work of the RUC, particularly over the past 30
years.

The nationalist Social Democratic and Labour Party has also reacted to the news.

The SDLP's Seamus Mallon said: "Today's announcement reflects the reality that, whatever differences that exist over the role and conduct of the RUC, many members of the RUC and their families have suffered greatly and demonstrated courage over many years.

"The award of the George Cross should be seen as recognition that the concerns of those who most value the RUC have been acknowledged and appreciated."

The Democratic Unionist Party has also offered its congratulations.

The DUP's Nigel Dodds said: "The award by Her Majesty, the Queen, of the George Cross to the RUC is a well deserved and appropriate recognition of the sacrifice and bravery of the police over many decades."

The Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Andrew Mackay, said: "We are delighted that the courageous and even-handed work of the RUC has been recognised by Her Majesty, the Queen, with the award of the George Cross.

"No organisation is more deserving of the George Cross than the RUC. During the past 30 years of the Troubles they have been the thin green line between anarchy and the rule of law."